PICK A DOZEN

The STREETS of L.A.’s Fashion District are overflowing with stalls selling junk jewelry. But away from the mayhem, inside the hub of fashion showrooms known as the California Mart, Details Accessories has been a go-to source for costume jewelry for 20 years. Filled to the rafters with every kind of fashion jewelry and accessory you can think of, this place is guaranteed to come through on any trend -- at prices from about $13 into the $20s. Over the years, we’ve sought out tribal accessories, rhinestone brooches, skulls and, yes, nature-themed jewelry at Details. And we haven’t been disappointed.

The first step into the place takes your breath away, not because you don’t know where to start looking, but because there is so much merchandise lining walls, shelves and display cases that you actually feel as if it’s the Attack of the Accessories.

Take your time and case the walls first, where the necklace and earring combo sets hang. Then investigate the glass cases filled with cocktail rings. Some are better left in a gum-ball machine, but some could actually pass for that of-the-moment oversized piece, if paired with the right outfit.

On a recent trip, we found a 1960s-style, coral- and turquoise-colored flower brooch with a heft that made it feel more expensive than its $16 price tag. A $21 brooch featuring a faux coral branch, faux diamonds and pearls doubles as a necklace and comes with matching earrings.

But the best find was a “rose gold” necklace with a pendant of bell-shaped lilies on a triple-strand, knotted “gold” chain. It looked authentically Art Nouveau and, at the same time, delightfully spring 2008 Prada. And for $22, that’s pretty darn impressive.

--

Details Accessories, California Market Center, 110 E. 9th St., A Lobby 14, Los Angeles. (213) 489-2480.